Congratulations on your purchase of this Sony Handycam camcorder. With your Handycam, you can capture life’s precious moments with superior picture and sound quality. Your Handycam is loaded with advanced features, but at the same time it is very easy to use. You will soon be producing home video that you can enjoy for years to come.
Table of contents Before you begin Using this manual ... 4 Checking supplied accessories ... 5 Getting started Charging and installing the battery pack ... 6 Inserting a cassette ... 10 Basic operations Camera recording ... 11 Using the zoom feature ... 14 Selecting the START/STOP mode ...
Before you begin Using this manual As you read through this manual, buttons and settings on the camcorder are shown in capital letters. e.g. Set the POWER switch to CAMERA. As indicated with ≥ in the illustrations, you can hear the beep sound to confirm your operation.
Checking supplied accessories Check that the following accessories are supplied with your camcorder. 1 Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p.66) 2 NP-F330 Battery pack (1) (p.6) 3 AC-V316/V316A AC power adaptor (1) (p.6, 22) 4 CR2025 Lithium Battery (1) (p.46) The lithium battery is already installed in your camcorder.
This camcorder operates with the “InfoLITHIUM” battery. If you use any other battery to operate your camcorder, the camcorder may not operate or the battery life may be shortened. “InfoLITHIUM” is a trade mark of Sony Corporation. Charging the battery pack Charge the battery pack on a flat surface without vibration.
Charging and installing the battery pack Battery lifee Battery pack Continuous recording time* (min.) Typical recording time* (min.) Numbers before the parentheses indicate the time when you use a fully charged battery. Numbers in the parentheses indicate the time when you use a normal charged battery. * Approximate continuous recording time indoors.
Charging and installing the battery pack Installing the battery pack Align the grooves of the battery pack with the receptacles of the camcorder and slide the battery pack down until it catches on the battery release lever and clicks. Attach the battery pack to the camcorder securely.
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Charging and installing the battery pack Using the camcorder with the finder slid out or lifted up When NP-F730 or NP-F930 is installed When you install NP-F730 or NP-F930, slide out the viewfinder for more comfortable camera recording. When you record in a low angle Lift up the viewfinder.
Inserting a cassette Make sure that the power source is installed. When you want to record in the Hi8 system, use Hi8 video cassette H. (1) While pressing the small blue button on the EJECT switch, slide it in the direction of the arrow.
Basic operations Camera recording Make sure that the power source is installed, a cassette is inserted and that the START/ STOP MODE switch is set to make a trial recording to make sure that the camcorder is working correctly. When you use the camcorder for the first time, power on it and reset the date and time to your time before you start recording.
Camera recording To stop recording momentarily [a] Press START/STOP again. The “STBY” indicator appears in the viewfinder (Standby mode). To finish recording [b] Press START/STOP again. Turn STANDBY down and set the POWER switch to OFF. Then, eject the cassette and remove the battery pack. START/STOP To focus the viewfinder lens If you cannot see the indicators in the viewfinder clearly, or after someone else has used...
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Camera recording Notes on the tape counter •The tape counter indicates the recording or playback time. Use it as a guide. There will be a time lag of several seconds from the actual time. To set the counter to zero, press COUNTER RESET.
Camera recording Using the zoom feature Zooming is a recording technique that lets you change the size of the subject in the scene. For more professional-looking recordings, use the zoom function sparingly. “T” side: for telephoto (subject appears closer) “W” side: for wide-angle (subject appears farther away) Zooming speed (Variable speed zooming) Move the power zoom lever a little for a slower zoom, move it further for a faster zoom.
Camera recording Selecting the SATRT/STOP mode Your camcorder has two modes besides normal start/stop mode. These modes enable you to take a series of quick shots resulting in a lively video. (1) Set the START/STOP MODE switch to the desired mode. : Recording starts when you press START/STOP, and stops when you press it again (normal mode).
Try placing the camcorder on a table top or any other flat surface of suitable height. If you have a tripod for a still camera, you can also use it with the camcorder. When attaching a non-Sony tripod, make sure that the length of the tripod screw is less than inch (6.5 mm).
Checking the recorded picture Using EDITSEARCH, you can review the last recorded scene or check the recorded picture in the viewfinder. (1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to CAMERA. (2) Turn STANDBY up. (3) Press the –...
Connections for playback You can use this camcorder as a VCR by connecting it to your TV for playback. There are some ways to connect the camcorder to your TV. When monitoring the playback picture by connecting the camcorder to your TV, we recommend you to use house current for the power source.
Playing back a tape You can monitor the playback picture in the viewfinder. You can also monitor a picture on a TV screen, after connecting the camcorder to a TV or VCR. (1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, set it to VTR. The video control buttons light up.
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Playing back a tape Various playback modes To view a still picture (playback pause) Press P during playback. To resume playback, press P or ·. To locate a scene (picture search) Keep pressing 0 or ) during playback. To resume normal playback, release the button.
Power source House current Battery pack Size AA (LR6) Alkaline battery 12 V or 24 V car battery Accessory to be used Supplied AC power adaptor InfoLITHIUM battery NP-F330 (supplied), NP-F530, NP-F730, NP-F930 Battery case (supplied) Sony car battery charger DC-V515A...
Using alternative power sources Using alkaline batteries Use the battery case (supplied) and six size AA (LR6) Sony Alkaline batteries (not supplied). (1) Remove the battery holder from the battery case. (2) Insert six new alkaline batteries into the battery holder, following the marking on the holder to be sure the batteries are installed in the correct direction.
Changing the mode settings You can change the mode settings in the menu system to further enjoy the features and functions of the camcorder. (1) Press MENU to display the menu. (2) Turn the control dial to select the desired item, then press the dial. (3) Turn the control dial to select the desired mode, then press the dial.
Changing the mode settings Selecting the mode setting of each item Items for both CAMERA and VTR modes COMMANDER <ON/OFF> •Select ON when using the supplied Remote Commander for the camcorder. •Select OFF when not using the Remote Commander. REC MODE <SP/LP> •Select SP when recording in SP (standard play) mode.
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Changing the mode settings AUTO DATE <ON/OFF> •Select ON to record the date for 10 seconds after recording has started. •Select OFF not to record the date. CLOCK SET Select this item to reset the date or time. DEMO MODE <ON/OFF> •Select ON to make the demonstration appear without cassette.
Fade-in and fade-out You can fade in or out to give your recording a professional appearance. When fading in, the picture gradually fades in from black or mosaic while the sound increases. When fading out, the picture gradually fades to black or mosaic while the sound decreases.
Using the wide mode function Selecting the desired mode You can record a cinemalike picture (CINEMA) or a 16:9 wide picture to watch on the 16:9 wide-screen TV (16:9 FULL). CINEMA CINEMA 16:9 FULL 16:9 FULL CINEMA Black bands appear at the top and the bottom of the screen, and the viewfinder [a] and a normal TV screen [b] look wide.
Using the wide mode function To cancel wide mode Press 16:9 WIDE repeatedly until the wide mode indicator disappears. To watch the tape recorded in wide mode To watch the tape recorded in CINEMA mode, set the screen mode of the wide-screen TV to zoom mode.
Enjoying picture effect Using picture effect function (1) Press PICTURE EFFECT. (2) Turn the control dial to select the desired picture effect mode. PICTURE EFFECT To turn off picture effect Press PICTURE EFFECT. The indicator in the viewfinder goes out. Note on the picture effect When you turn the power off, the camcorder returns automatically to normal mode.
Focusing manually When to use manual focus In the following cases you should obtain better results by adjusting the focus manually. •Insufficient light [a] •Subjects with little contrast — walls, sky, etc. [b] •Too much brightness behind the subject [c] •Horizontal stripes [d] •Subjects through frosted glass •Subjects beyond nets, etc.
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Focusing manually Focusing manually When focusing manually, first focus in telephoto before recording, and then reset the shot length. (1) Set FOCUS to MANUAL. The f indicator appears in the viewfinder. (2) Move the power zoom lever to the “T” side until the lever reaches the end. (3) Turn the NEAR/FAR dial to achieve a sharp focus.
Using the PROGRAM AE function Selecting the best mode You can select one of six PROGRAM AE (Auto Exposure) modes to suit your shooting situation, referring to the following. Spotlight mode For subjects in spotlight, such as at the theatre or a formal event. a Soft portrait mode For zooming in on a still subject in telephoto mode, or for a subject behind an obstacle such as a screen.
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Using the PROGRAM AE function Using the PROGRAM AE function (1) Press PROGRAM AE. (2) Turn the control dial to select the desired PROGRAM AE mode. PROGRAM To turn off program AE Press PROGRAM AE. Notes on focus setting •In the Spotlight, Sports lesson and Beach & Ski modes, you cannot take close-ups because the camcorder is set to focus only on subjects in the middle to far distance.
Shooting with backlighting When you shoot a subject with the light source behind the subject or a subject with a light background, use the BACK LIGHT function. Press BACK LIGHT. The c indicator appears in the viewfinder. [a] Subject is too dark because of backlight. [b] Subject becomes bright with backlight compensation.
Adjusting the exposure When to adjust the exposure Adjust the exposure manually under the following cases. •The background is too bright (back lighting) •Insufficient light: most of the picture is dark •Bright subject and dark background •To record the darkness faithfully Adjusting the exposure (1) Press EXPOSURE.
Adjusting the exposure Shooting in the dark We recommend you to use a video light (not supplied). To get the best color, you must maintain a sufficient light level. When you adjust the exposure manually •BACK LIGHT does not appear. •If you press PROGRAM AE, the camcorder automatically returns to automatic exposure mode.
Superimposing a title Using titles To add the title from the beginning (1) While the camcorder is in Standby mode, press TITLE repeatedly until the desired title appears. Each time a new title appears, it flashes. When the desired title appears, wait for it to stop flashing.
Superimposing a title To select the color of the title (1) While the camcorder is in Standby mode, press MENU to display the menu. (2) Turn the control dial to select TITLE COL, then press the dial. (3) Turn the control dial to select the desired color, then press the dial. You can choose from the following 7 colors: WHITE ˜...
Making your own titles You can make up to two titles and store them in the camcorder. Eject the cassette before you begin. Your title can have up to 22 letters. (1) While the camcorder is in Standby mode, press MENU to display the menu. (2) Turn the control dial to select TITLE1 SET or TITLE2 SET, then press the dial.
Recording with the date/time Before you start recording or during recording, press DATE or TIME. You can record the date or time displayed in the viewfinder with the picture. Press DATE (or TIME), then press TIME (or DATE) to display date and time together. The clock is already set to East Coast Standard Time at the factory.
Optimizing the recording condition Use this feature to check the tape condition before recording, so that you can get the best possible picture (ORC). (1) While the camcorder is in Standby mode, press MENU to display the menu. (2) Turn the control dial to select ORC TO SET, then press the dial. “START/STOP KEY”...
Editing onto another tape You can create your own video program by editing with any other h 8 mm, H Hi8, j VHS, k S-VHS, VCR that has video/audio inputs. Before editing Connect the camcorder to the VCR using the supplied A/V connecting cable. Set the input selector on the VCR to LINE, if available.
Recording from a VCR or TV You can record a tape from another VCR or a TV program from a TV that has audio/ video outputs. Connect the camcorder to the VCR or TV. (1) While pressing the small green button on the POWER switch, slide it to VTR. (2) Press REC r and the button on the right together at the point where you want to start recording.
Releasing the STEADY SHOT function When you shoot, the indicator appears in the viewfinder. This indicates that the Steady Shot function is working and the camcorder compensates for camera-shake. You can release the Steady Shot function when you do not need to use the Steady Shot function.
I indicator flashes in the viewfinder for about 5 seconds when you set the POWER switch to CAMERA. In this case, replace the battery with a Sony CR2025 or Duracell DL-2025 lithium battery. Use of any other battery may present a risk of fire or explosion.
Resetting the date and time You can set the date and time in the menu system. (1) Press MENU to display the menu in the viewfinder. (2) Turn the control dial to select CLOCK SET, then press the dial. (3) Turn the control dial to adjust the year, and then press the dial. (4) Set the month, day, hour and minutes by turning the control dial and then pressing the dial.
Resetting the date and time To check the preset date and time Press DATE to display the date indicator in the viewfinder. Press TIME to display the time indicator. When you press the same button again, the indicator goes off. The year indicator changes as follows: 1997 1998...
Tips for using the battery pack This section shows you how you can get the most out of your battery pack. Preparing the battery pack Always carry additional batteries Have sufficient battery pack power to do 2 to 3 times as much recording as you have planned.
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Notes on the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack What is the “InfoLITHIUM” The “InfoLITHIUM” is a lithium ion battery pack which can exchange data with compatible video equipment about its battery consumption. Sony recommends that you use the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack with video equipment having the mark.
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Tips for using the battery pack How the battery consumption is displayed The power consumption of the camcorder changes depending on its use, such as how the autofocusing is working. While checking the condition of the camcorder, the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack measures the battery consumption and calculates the remaining battery power.
•Use only with alkaline batteries. You cannot use the battery case with manganese batteries or size AA (LR6) rechargeable NiCd batteries. •Using with Sony alkaline batteries is preferable. •Battery life is remarkably shorter in a cold environment (lower than 50°F/10°C).
[a] Slightly dirty [b] Very dirty If this happens, clean the video heads with the Sony V8-25CLH cleaning cassette (not supplied). After checking the picture, if it is still “noisy,” repeat the cleaning. (Do not repeat cleaning more than 5 times in one session.) Caution Do not use a commercially available wet-type cleaning cassette.
•Do not use a combination of new and old batteries. •Do not use different types of batteries. •The batteries slowly discharge while not in use. •Do not use a battery that is leaking. If any difficulty should arise, unplug the unit and contact your nearest Sony dealer.
Using your camcorder abroad Each country or area has its own electric and TV color systems. Before using your camcorder abroad, check the following points. Power sources You can use your camcorder in any country or area with the supplied AC power adaptor within 110 V to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz.
Trouble check If you run into any problem using the camcorder, use the following table to troubleshoot the problem. Should the difficulty persist, disconnect the power source and contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. Camcorder Power Symptom The power is not on.
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Trouble check Symptom Recording stops in a few seconds. The cassette cannot be removed from the holder. { and 6 indicators flash and no function except for cassette ejection works. The counter, date or time indicator is flashing. The tape does not move when a video control button is pressed.
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• EDIT is set to ON in the menu system. m Set it to OFF. (p. 26) • The video heads may be dirty. m Clean the heads using the Sony V8-25CLH cleaning cassette (not supplied). (p. 53) • If VF PW-SAVE is set to ON, the picture disappears automatically when you turn your face away from the viewfinder.
When the CHARGE lamp flashes again The problem is with the AC power adaptor. Please contact your nearest Sony dealer in connection with the problem. * If you use a battery pack which you have just bought or which has been left unused for a long time, the CHARGE lamp may flash at the first charging.
Remove the cassette and leave the camcorder for at least 1 hour. (p. 52) • The video heads are dirty. m Clean the heads using the Sony V8-25 CLH cleaning cassette (not supplied). (p. 53) • The camcorder does not operate when using a battery that is not an InfoLITHIUM battery.
DC OUT: 8.4 V, 1.9 A in operating mode Battery charge terminal: 8.4 V, 1.4 A in charge mode Application Sony battery packs NP-F330, NP-F530, NP-F730, NP-F930 lithium ion type Operating temperature 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C) Storage temperature –4°F to +140°F (–20°C to +60°C)
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Identifying the Parts !¶ !• !ª @º @¡ @™ @£ !¶ Power zoom lever (p.14) !• EJECT switch (p.10) !ª LANC l control jack l stands for Local Application Control Bus System. The l control jack is used for controlling the tape transport of video equipment and peripherals connected to it.
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Identifying the Parts @ª #º #¡ #™ #£ #¢ @ª Intelligent accessory shoe The intelligent accessory shoe supplies power to optional accessories such as a video light. #º Eyecup (p.16) #¡ Viewfinder (p.12, 16) #™ Battery mounting surface #£ START/STOP MODE switch (p.15) Note on the intelligent accessory shoe Supplies power to optional accessories such as a video light or microphone.
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Identifying the parts $º $¡ $™ $£ $¢ $º Video control buttons (p.20) π STOP (stop) 0 REW (rewind) · PLAY (playback) ) FF (fastforward) P PAUSE (pause) r REC (recording) $¡ Camera recording/battery lamp (p.11) $™ IR transmitter (p.19) $£...
Identifying the parts To watch the demonstration You can start the demonstration by setting DEMO MODE in the menu system. You can also start the demonstration by the following operation. To enter demo mode (1) Eject the cassette and set the POWER switch to VTR. (2) Turn STANDBY up.
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Identifying the parts To prepare the Remote Commander Insert two size AA (R6) batteries by matching the + and – on the batteries to the diagram inside the battery compartment. Note on battery life The batteries for the Remote Commander last about 6 months under normal operation. When the batteries become weak or dead, the Remote Commander does not work.
• This camcorder works in commander mode VTR 2. The commander modes (1, 2 and 3) are used to distinguish this camcorder from other Sony VCRs to avoid remote control misoperation. If you use another Sony VCR in commander mode VTR 2, we recommend you change the commander mode or cover the remote sensor of the VCR with black paper.
(p.53) 8 Some other trouble has occurred. Use the self-diagnosis function (p.60). If the display does not disappear contact your Sony dealer or local authorized Sony service facility. 9 The lithium battery is weak or is not installed. (p.46)
Index A, B Adjusting viewfinder ... 12 AFM HiFi Sound ... 26 ANTI GROUND SHOOTING ... 15 AUTO DATE ... 11 Auto focus ... 32 Backlight ... 35 Beep ... 13 C, D Camera recording ... 11 Car battery ... 23 Charging battery ...
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